Located atop the Sea Containers Hotel on London’s South Bank, 12th Knot is a rooftop bar known for its panoramic views and premium hospitality offering. When the venue required an upgrade to its existing audio system, the hotel called upon long-standing technology partner Tateside to deliver a modernised solution in line with the bar’s high-end aesthetic.
Tateside, which already provides AV support across the hotel, including for the in-house cinema and events space, was briefed to implement a discreet and consistent sound system that would enhance both music delivery and overall guest experience.
“The previous set-up no longer met the venue’s needs,” says Jack Cornish, Technical Director at Tateside. “Coverage was uneven and temporary repositioning of equipment for events compromised both audio quality and visual appeal. It was time for a more permanent and tailored solution.”
A new system was designed around loudspeakers from US manufacturer 1 Sound, chosen for their compact form factors and audio clarity. Twelve C8i 8-inch coaxial loudspeakers and two smaller C4i models were installed in the bar area, with six SUB310 triple 10-inch subwoofers flown out of sight to maintain aesthetic standards while ensuring sufficient low-end response. Additional C8i units were installed in the DJ booth, which hosts regular weekend sets.
All loudspeakers were mounted using custom-fabricated brackets to integrate with the venue’s interior design. To further support the upgrade, a complete back-end overhaul was undertaken. The previous rack location, housed in a storeroom, had led to overheating issues. Tateside rerouted all cabling to a nearby communications room, enabling better equipment protection and future scalability.
The new system is built on a Dante audio network and driven by Powersoft Unica amplifiers. Signal processing is managed via a Q-SYS Core processor, with control facilitated by a wall-mounted QSC touchscreen and Pragma Someo PoE controllers. This allows venue staff to manage volume and source selection with ease.
“The updated infrastructure gave us a stable, scalable foundation,” adds Cornish. “The move to the comms room resolved the cooling issues and brought all systems under better operational control.”
Installation presented several logistical challenges. As a live venue, work needed to be scheduled to avoid disrupting daily operations. Ceiling panels were removed and reinstated each day, allowing access for installation without affecting evening service. Elements of the existing AV system were kept live throughout, requiring careful planning to ensure a seamless transition.
“It was essential that the system was not only visually sympathetic but also high-fidelity and easy for staff to use on a daily basis,” Cornish notes. “The aim was to provide a premium audio experience without compromising the look or functionality of the space.”
Tateside’s long-term relationship with Sea Containers has involved multiple AV projects across the site, and this latest upgrade at 12th Knot is viewed as a continuation of that partnership. The company says the project reflects its ability to deliver across all aspects of AV—from design to execution—under tight scheduling constraints and within a demanding operational environment.
“This was a significant investment for the client,” concludes Cornish. “We’re pleased with the final result and the opportunity to demonstrate how premium audio solutions can be integrated seamlessly into complex hospitality spaces.”
